Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini has intimated he is open to signing a new contract at St James' Park.

Coloccini, 29, had a tough start to life at Newcastle after joining from Deportivo La Coruna for £10 million in 2008, but has gradually demonstrated impressive form at the heart of the Magpies' defence.

The centre-back saw Jonas Gutierrez sign a new four-year deal on Tyneside last month, and he has admitted he could follow his Argentine compatriot in extending his current contract, which expires in 2013.

Coloccini told the Journal: "I'm very happy here, so we will see what happens. It was important for Jonas to get his new deal too. Then he scored against Wolves, so it was a good week for him."

Newcastle have enjoyed a fine start to the 2011-12 Premier League season, with Alan Pardew's unbeaten side fourth in the table after winning four of their opening seven matches.

Coloccini said: "We are happy because we are working well and things are coming right for us. The team spirit is different to last season. When you start well, everything is good, everyone is happy. It's different.

"We will find out more when we have some bad times. But now the spirit is fantastic. We have some good people in the changing room and I think that's the key for us to keep winning and playing well."

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